The Factor, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Martin Garcia, made every step a winning one in a wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Breaking well from the gate, The Factor easily assumed command of the lead heading into the first turn, from which he cruised down the backside in 46.77 and 1:10.98. When it came time to turn for home, The Factor had enough left in the tank to score a relatively easy win over a huffing and puffing Rebel field.
Caleb's Posse grabbed the 2nd spot while Southwest winner Archarcharch rounded out the Trifecta.
Fractions:
1/4: 23.33
1/2: 46.77
3/4: 1:10.98
Mile: 1:35.99
Finish: 1:42.99
Internal Splits:
1/4: 23.33
1/2: 23.44
3/4: 24.22
Final: 31.20
Decent internal splits by The Factor; 31.20 isn't blazing home, but when you do all the dirty work on the front-end, it's a pretty impressive feat. As for what this means for his Kentucky Derby prospects; he's now proven at two turns, which is a big feather in his cap. I'd still like to see what he does going a route of ground with some actual pace pressure in the early stages because it's unlikely he'll be given an easy lead in Louisville. Of course, he may just use his natural speed to continue to run everyone into the ground.
In other news regarding the Kentucky Derby trail, Rogue Romance, who last ran in the Risen Star at the Fair Grounds, has been sidelined with a foot injury.